VIDEO: Dubai's GulfNav, Brooge Energy sign $871mln acquisition deal
The deal is for the sale of the assets and subsidiaries of Brooge, including Brooge Petroleum and Gas Investment Company FZE, and Brooge Petroleum and Gas Investment Company Phase III FZE. Watch the Zawya video here:
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Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
From GIFT to Singapore: How global hubs are shaping the new playbook
- Associate Partner, MICS Everyone has heard of the UAE's headline single digit nine per cent corporate tax rate. But what most people don't realise is that some of the world's biggest companies despite being based in high-tax jurisdictions, have consistently paid effective tax rates in the single digits, typically ranging from six to nine per cent. How is that even possible? One simple answer: Smart, strategic tax optimisation. So how did these companies structure themselves to achieve such outcomes? Is it still feasible in today's complex and constantly evolving global tax environment? And if so, how complicated is the playbook? Let's unfold the global tax game – and how building the right structure can be your winning move. Where it all begins: Structuring with purpose When companies set up operations, their primary considerations often revolve around ease of doing business, customer proximity, and market access. Surprisingly, tax is rarely the top factor at least initially. But not all functions in a company are tied to these operational dependencies. Some, like headquarters, treasury centres, intellectual property (IP) ownership, holding companies, and SPVs, can be located with greater flexibility. And when done right, these choices can be game-changers for both operational efficiency and tax savings. The big Fours: Holding companies, HQ, treasury, and IP Here's where strategy enters the game: • Holding company: Often used to centralise ownership of subsidiaries and assets, and to efficiently manage dividends, capital gains, and group-level financing. • Headquarters: Can be placed in jurisdictions that offer not only strategic access but also favourable tax regimes. • Treasury functions: Since these involve managing global cash flows and financing, tax and regulatory predictability matter more than physical proximity. • Intellectual Property (IP): IP holding companies are frequently located in countries that offer tax incentives on royalties and capital gains. Locating these functions in jurisdictions with stability, feasibility, predictability, and favorable tax treatment can significantly enhance the bottom line. Equally important are withholding tax (WHT) implications and the availability of double taxation avoidance agreements (DTAAs), which directly impact the tax efficiency of cross-border payments such as dividends, interest, and royalties. Jurisdictions with strong treaty networks often provide reduced or zero WHT rates, making them particularly attractive for housing holding companies, treasury hubs, and IP ownership. There are famous examples – Apple and Google, among others – who have reaped enormous tax benefits simply by strategically housing their IP in favourable jurisdictions. Top jurisdictions for strategic tax functions Each jurisdiction has carved its niche: • Singapore: A globally trusted IP hub offering attractive tax incentives for IP development and commercialisation. • GIFT City (India): Rapidly emerging as a preferred jurisdiction for treasury operations and regional headquarters due to its regulatory clarity and tax exemptions. • Ireland and Luxembourg: Historically favoured for IP and financing structures, though tightening global tax norms have nudged companies to reassess. • UAE: Supported by an extensive network of DTAAs and evolving tax infrastructure, it is gaining ground as a versatile base for several strategic functions. UAE: A strategic player in the evolving tax landscape With the introduction of its corporate tax regime in 2023, the UAE repositioned itself as a credible and competitive jurisdiction in the global tax planning ecosystem. Operating from a qualifying free zone can allow key functions – including HQ, treasury, holding companies, SPVs, and IP – to potentially benefit from a zero per cent corporate tax, subject to meeting substance and activity-based requirements. In addition, access to a growing network of DTAAs allows for potentially favorable withholding tax treatment, enhancing the efficiency of global structures. Rather than aiming to be a low-tax outlier, the UAE is adapting to global standards while still offering targeted advantages that businesses can leverage based on their specific needs. A final reflection In the modern tax environment, where compliance and optimisation must go hand in hand, no single jurisdiction offers a one-size-fits-all solution. Singapore continues to lead as a preferred jurisdiction at least of Asia, for IP and regional HQs due to its R&D incentives and robust legal framework. GIFT City is rapidly gaining ground with focused benefits for treasury operations and financial entities. Ireland and Luxembourg, while reassessing their frameworks post-BEPS, still retain relevance for certain financing and licensing models. The UAE, with its blend of flexibility, treaty access, and evolving infrastructure, is now a serious consideration for global tax planning. Ultimately, the winning move lies in aligning your operational footprint with a tax strategy tailored to your business's functions, risk profile, and growth vision.
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE infrastructure stocks likely to boom as country embarks on ambitious projects
While the summer season is usually a quieter period for financial markets due to widespread investor holidays, global sentiment remains overshadowed by persistent geopolitical tensions this summer. Escalating concerns over US tariff measures and the intensifying Israel–Iran conflict, with US entering the war on Sunday, have cast a pall over risk appetite, driving cautious investor positioning and heightened market volatility. Yet, against this backdrop of global unease, the UAE is pressing ahead with an ambitious slate of infrastructure projects, using the relative calm of the summer months to accelerate key developments. With lighter traffic during the holiday stretch, authorities are fast-tracking enhancements to the country's transport network, signaling an open window for investors seeking early exposure to the next wave of growth. Major infrastructure initiatives are underway to strengthen both east–west and north–south connectivity across the emirates through new roads and metro extensions. In Dubai, upgrades to Hessa Street and the expansion of the Metro network with the Blue Line are pivotal undertakings aimed at easing congestion and linking emerging residential and commercial hubs. Meanwhile, the landmark Etihad Rail project is progressing steadily, ultimately set to integrate all seven emirates with a modern rail link, opening new avenues for investment in real estate and infrastructure equity. Adding to the skyline's evolution, Dubai Creek Harbour is constructing what is projected to become the tallest tower in the world, surpassing the iconic Burj Khalifa. In tandem, Dubai South continues to evolve as the city's future primary aviation center with the forthcoming Al Maktoum International Airport, cementing the UAE's role as a regional transport and logistics powerhouse. 'These transformative projects are expected to cut travel times by more than 75 per cent' says Razan Hilal, Market Analyst, CMT at adding 'they will boost connectivity across burgeoning districts, laying the groundwork for robust property market performance, economic diversification, and sustainable urban planning for decades to come.' 'While short-term volatility persists due to external shocks, the UAE's commitment to long-term national development plans - Vision 2025, 2030, and 2040 - suggests that current market dips may present strategic entry points for long-term investors', observes Hilal. She adds: 'Amid this climate, portfolio diversification remains prudent. Commodities like oil continue to serve as a hedge against supply disruptions in the region, while gold and silver retain their appeal as safe-haven assets, particularly relevant as industrial demand for silver expands in the technology sector. Several publicly listed companies like Dewa, Union Properties, Tabreed and Salik stand to benefit directly from this wave of development, each playing a strategic role in energy, cooling, real estate, and road toll management respectively. However, despite this local momentum, the MSCI UAE Index has shed over 7 per cent this month, reflecting broader concerns over dollar weakness and geopolitical turmoil. Leading developers such as Emaar Properties have seen share price corrections of around 5 per cent, underscoring the cautious tone prevailing among regional investors. Overall, while global headwinds pose challenges, the UAE's clear focus on future-ready infrastructure and urban resilience reinforces its appeal as a steady beacon of opportunity for investors looking beyond short-term volatility.
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Sharjah Chamber, Kazakhstan Consulate discuss strengthening strategic partnerships between private sectors
Sharjah: The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) engaged in discussions with the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Dubai and the Northern Emirates to explore ways to enhance economic cooperation and strengthen trade and investment relations between the two countries. The meeting emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships between business communities and private sector institutions to leverage high-potential investment opportunities across diverse industries in both nations. The discussions were held during an official visit by H.E Almaz Tasbolat, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Dubai, to the Sharjah Chamber's headquarters, where he was received by H.E Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI. The meeting was attended by Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI, and Dr. Fatima Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Director of International Relations Department at SCCI, along with several officials from both sides. During the meeting, both sides explored ongoing cooperation between Sharjah and Kazakhstan, focusing on strategies to advance economic ties through the exchange of trade delegations and the coordination of sector-specific exhibitions and events. These efforts aim to facilitate access to investment prospects for companies and investors in both markets. The discussions also highlighted priority sectors that offer strong potential for collaboration, with the real estate sector taking particular prominence. In his remarks, H.E Abdallah Sultan Al Owais reaffirmed the Sharjah Chamber's commitment to enhancing trade and investment relations with Kazakhstan and facilitating high-quality services that support the success of Kazakh enterprises operating in Sharjah. He encouraged Kazakh companies to explore the emirate's investment landscape, highlighting its pro-business regulatory environment, robust infrastructure, and strategic geographic location as key drivers of sustainable growth. For further information, please contact: Ali Elgendy Misbar Communications ali@ Ahmad Aldwairi Misbar Communications
